The Valley of Flowers is a high-altitude (3,600 meters) alpine valley located in the Garhwal Himalayas. This beautiful valley is known for its meadows of endemic flowers and also attracts many trekkers and nature lovers. The trek to the Valley of Flowers starts from Govindghat, which is a small town situated at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Lakshman rivers. There are various ways one can go about reaching this amazing destination.
The Valley of Flowers – getting there
Govindghat is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts. The quaint little town lies nestled in the lush, verdant valleys of the Himalayas. Framed by towering peaks and draped in mist, this picturesque town offers trekkers a rare glimpse of nature at its best. It will delight you with its refreshing views and tranquil atmosphere. Home to several budget hotels and guesthouses, it is a starting point for the trek to the Valley of Flowers. You should spend a day here to acclimatize before embarking on the trek. The 4-km stretch from Govindghat to Pulna village is dotted with stunning vistas and breathtaking waterfalls. Ghangaria, the basecamp for the Valley of Flowers trek is just 10 km from Pulna. As the peak flower bloom lasts only for a short period, knowing the best time to visit the Valley of Flowers is important.
By road
There are several ways one can reach Govindghat. It is well connected by road and several taxis and buses ply between Govindghat and the major destinations in Uttarakhand. The most popular way is to take a bus or taxi from Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Srinagar. Buses run frequently from these towns. If you are coming from Delhi, the best option is to take a taxi to Haridwar and then take a bus or taxi to Govindghat. If you are coming from Rishikesh, the best option is to take a bus to Joshimath and then take a taxi to Govindghat.
By train
Another way to reach Govindghat is to take a train to Rishikesh, which is the nearest railway station, and then take a bus or taxi from there. The highway NH58 runs between Rishikesh, Uttarakhand’s holiest city, and Govindghat with a distance of 280 kilometers. There are many things to do in Rishikesh and hence, it is well connected by train with various destinations in North India.
By air
Another way to reach Govindghat is to take a flight to Dehradun, Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport, and then take a bus or taxi from there. The distance between the airport and Govindghat is about 300 km. Dehradun has many things explore and is a popular tourist destination. Hence, it is well connected to Delhi with a few daily flights.
By helicopter
Helicopter service is available to reach the Valley of Flowers. This is the quickest and most convenient way to reach the valley in case you do not want to trek from Govindghat. The helicopter service operates from Govindghat and drops trekkers at the helipad ground in Ghangaria, which is the base camp for the Valley of Flowers trek. It is a 12-minute flight. However, you still have to trek from Ghangaria to the Valley of Flowers as there is no other option. As Ghangaria is a common point for pilgrims who visit Hemkund Sahib, many of them choose the helicopter service.
Distance chart
Here is a glance at the distance chart to the Valley of Flowers from surrounding places.
Delhi to Valley of Flowers – 500 km
Meerut to Valley of Flowers – 450 km
Chandigarh to Valley of Flowers – 450 km
Shimla to Valley of Flowers – 500 km
Distance from the Valley of Flowers to nearby places
Hemkund Sahib (via Ghangaria) – 10 km
Joshimath – 35 km
Badrinath – 40 km (via Hemkund Sahib)
Mana village (via Badrinath) – 44 km
Auli – 45 km
Chamoli – 80 km
Nandaprayag – 90 km
It is likely that most of the above places will be included in your Valley of Flowers trek itinerary.
Conclusion
Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a beginner looking for a new adventure, a trip to the Valley of Flowers is sure to leave you awestruck by its natural beauty and incredible biodiversity. Trekkers are advised to begin their trek in the early morning from Ghangaria as this is when the weather tends to be milder and more favorable for hiking. The difficulty level for the Valley of Flowers trek is moderate and it is suitable for beginners. Other than that, it is essential to pack properly and bring along all the necessary supplies such as warm clothes, water, food, a first-aid kit, etc.
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